WASHINGTON– Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially nominated U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, presenting him with the nomination letter during a dinner at the White House on Monday.
The meeting followed Trump’s recent announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, ending a 12-day conflict that began on June 13.
During the dinner, Netanyahu praised Trump’s role in promoting peace across the Middle East. “President Trump is forging peace as we speak, in one country and one region after the other,” the White House said in a statement quoting the Israeli leader. “So, I want to present to you, Mr. President, the letter I sent to the Nobel Prize committee. It’s nominating you for the peace prize, which is well-deserved.”
Netanyahu went on to commend Trump’s leadership and impact on global affairs.
“I want to express the appreciation and admiration not only of all Israelis, but of the Jewish people and many, many admirers around the world, for your leadership—your leadership of the free world, your leadership of a just cause, and the pursuit of peace and security which you are leading in many lands, but now especially in the Middle East,” Netanyahu said. “The President has an extraordinary team, and I think our teams together make an extraordinary combination to meet challenges and seize opportunities.”
Trump appeared surprised by the nomination.
“This I did not know. Wow, thank you very much. Coming from you in particular, this is very meaningful,” he said, thanking Netanyahu.
The U.S. president also spoke warmly of Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, calling them longtime friends and reliable partners in diplomacy.
“It’s an honor to have Bibi and Sara with us,” Trump said. “Friends of mine for a long time, and we’ve had tremendous success together, and I think it will only go on to be even greater success in the future.” (Source: IANS)
